Naakte vrouw, zittend op de rand van het bed 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen created this evocative image, "Naakte vrouw, zittend op de rand van het bed," using the rather esoteric medium of aquatint. It’s an etching process that allows for broad tonal effects, similar to watercolor. Look closely, and you'll see the way Witsen has manipulated the copper plate, creating a grainy surface to hold the ink. This gives the print its soft, atmospheric quality, perfectly suited to the intimate scene. Aquatint relies on careful control of acid etching. The plate is exposed bit by bit, yielding the subtle gradations of light and shadow. It's a labor-intensive process, demanding both technical skill and artistic sensitivity. In this work, we see the relationship between printmaking and wider issues of labor, with the artist mediating between the demands of the process and the desire for a delicate, painterly image. Considering this print, we might reflect on the rich potential that lies at the intersection of art and craft, challenging our assumptions about creativity.